Suche
Mein Konto
Drama about Ghost: Wunsiedel company buys the former factory in Waldsassen!
Wunsiedel in the Fichtelgebirge: Company acquires Ghost site, despite rumors about the bicycle brand. Future and employees affected.
Drama about Ghost: Wunsiedel company buys the former factory in Waldsassen!
There is currently a lot of activity in Waldsassen surrounding the popular bicycle brand Ghost. A company from Wunsiedel recently acquired the site of the former manufacturer, which is putting the future of the company in doubt. Ghost is currently only a tenant in its own premises, which have now been sold. Harald Kosalla, managing director of the brand, welcomes editors in an almost empty office, which is characterized by a minimalist interior without decorations or plants. His team has already relocated to new premises in the former Ghost building, which only adds to the uncertainty surrounding the brand. These changes present a difficult situation for the more than 120 employees, who are concerned about further developments.
In recent months there have been repeated rumors about a possible demise of the brand. However, Ghost managing director Christoph Mannel vehemently denied this. Nevertheless, the situation remains tense: Ghost bicycles have no longer been assembled in Waldsassen since November 2023, and production has been relocated to Hungary and Turkey. These steps are part of the measures taken by the parent company Accell-Group, which is in serious financial crisis. The company's debts are now over one billion euros, and sales fell by about 10% to 1.29 billion euros in 2023. The company is forced to close two plants, including the one in Waldsassen, and to focus more on research, development and marketing in Germany.
The future of the Ghost brand
Despite the challenges, Mannel emphasizes the importance of the Ghost brand for the European and German markets. There is speculation that the Ghost name could possibly be integrated into the Haibike brand, which also belongs to the Accell Group. Despite its difficulties, this company has a loyal customer base and could therefore realize a takeover of the name. According to Mannel, there are no further job cuts planned in Waldsassen, which offers employees some security for the time being, but the uncertainties associated with the site closure are creating a tense climate.
Overall, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop for Ghost and its employees. The possibility that the brand will merge into another or disappear from the scene hovers over Waldsassen like the sword of Damocles. The city and its residents hope for positive news and a sustainable perspective for the traditional brand, which represents a piece of home and identity for many.